Search - Rosemary Clooney :: Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz

Marian and Rosemary should have been on the road together!

Toshio Fukuhara | Yokohama, Japan | 09/27/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As compared to other Piano Jazz CDs that are currently available, this interview starts in an unusually stiff and formal manner, as if Marian and Rosemary met for the first time. Marian even starts out, "I'm Marian McPartland of Piano Jazz" which she never does with six other interviews I've heard so far. Of course, they are good old friends and the minute the first song Love is Here to Stay commences, the two break the ice and get right into what they do so brilliantly,,,, to perform and entertain the audience. Clooney gets such a kick out of being accompanied by Marian that she suggests to be on the road together right after the first song. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, Marian doesn't take up the offer so easily. She even alerts the singer not to say things like that in front of other people who might take it seriously. Well, what's wrong with that? I cannot be the only one who would love to see them on stage together.
The conversation also picks up right after the first song. In fact, Rosemary really gets into talking about all those people, mostly men, in her life; managers, musicians, her husband and five children, in addition to her sister Betty that Marian had to intervene to propose singing and playing.
Unlike having great piano players as guests, Marian is understandably relaxed and to herself when she plays the piano. This is particularly well displayed in track 12 I'll Take Romance. This CD presents not only Rosemary but also Marian at thier best."